Photos: 10 Inspiring Quotes For Women By Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou: born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014 was an American author, poet, dancer, actress and singer. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years

She became a poet and writer after a series of occupations as a young adult, including fry cook, prostitute, nightclub dancer and performer, cast member of the opera Porgy and Bess, coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and journalist in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. She was an actor, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs.

Angelou was honored by universities, literary organizations, government agencies, and special interest groups. Her honors included a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her book of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie, a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 1973 play Look Away, and three Grammys for her spoken word albums.She served on two presidential committees,and was awarded the

National Medal of Arts in 2000,the Lincoln Medal in 2008,and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.Angelou was awarded over fifty honorary degrees